Pune: With the financial year nearing its end, municipal employees are under pressure to meet revenue targets. However, the unexpected leave of the head of the Tax Assessment Department has left the department without leadership, raising concerns about the administration’s efficiency. The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) responded to the situation belatedly by assigning the department’s additional charge to Deputy Commissioner Pratibha Patil on the same day Madhav Jagtap was due to resume duty.
Municipal Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale issued the order on Thursday, specifying that Patil would hold the charge “until further orders.” This has fueled speculation that Jagtap has been relieved of his responsibilities in the department.
Recently, the Municipal Commissioner presented the annual budget, highlighting a revenue-expenditure gap. The PMC heavily relies on the Property Tax Assessment Department for income generation. With only 15 days left in the financial year, Deputy Commissioner Madhav Jagtap took a four-day leave, formally submitting a request for approval. Despite the critical timeline for tax collection, no immediate action was taken to appoint a temporary replacement, leading to administrative inefficiencies.
According to official data, the department has so far managed to collect only ₹2,180 crore, falling short of its tax collection target. This shortfall, coupled with the department head’s absence, has drawn criticism from various quarters, putting the municipal administration under scrutiny.
The PMC faced backlash for its handling of the tax collection drive, with criticism directed at the Municipal Commissioner for the apparent lack of urgency. In response, Dr. Bhosale initiated a review of the department’s functioning and conveyed his dissatisfaction with the situation.
Meanwhile, Jagtap is expected to return to duty on Friday. However, the decision to assign additional charge to Patil before his return has led to speculation that his role in the department may have been revoked. The municipal administration is yet to provide clarity on the matter, leaving room for further discussions on the leadership of the crucial revenue-generating department.
